In 1985, Kristofferson joined fellow country artists Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash in forming the country music supergroup The Highwaymen, and formed a key creative force in the outlaw country music movement that eschewed the Nashville music machine in favor of independent songwriting and producing. In 2004, Kristofferson was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. As an actor, he is known for his roles in Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid (1973), Blume in Love (1973), Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore (1974), A Star Is Born (1976) (which earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor), Convoy (1978), Heaven's Gate (1980) and Blade (1998).
Kristofferson has said that he would like the first three lines of Leonard Cohen's "Bird on the Wire" on his tombstone:
Like a bird on the wire
Like a drunk in a midnight choir
I have tried in my way to be free
One For The Money
Kris Kristofferson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've seen the sweat streak the pain on your face
'Cause you're caught like a clown in a circle of strangers
Who do you screw to get out of this place
[Chorus:]
It's one for the money
And too far to go
Just for the soul
That lady you're pleasin'
Is hungry and cold
Don't look in her eyes
You'll see what you sold
Too many bodies in too many bars
Too many feelings are fallin' behind
'Cause you're easy to fool when you're lost in the stars
Shoot out that spotlight before you go blind
[Chorus]
In these lyrics, Kris Kristofferson addresses the harsh realities of fame, especially as a performer. He talks about how he has seen artists (presumably, including himself) standing in the spotlight, sweating and dealing with the pain of being judged by strangers. He understands how it feels to be trapped in the public eye, like a clown performing in front of a critical audience. He highlights the irony of how, on the one hand, artists perform to please their audience, yet on the other, they feel pressured to do whatever they can to escape that place of scrutiny.
The lyrics go on to caution against the dangers of excessive drinking and promiscuity, tempting temptations that artists may face in a bid to cope with the pressure of their careers. While it may be tempting to indulge in these vices, Kristofferson emphasizes that there are risks and consequences associated with such choices. He cautions against getting too comfortable and reminds performers that there are always people who are hungry and waiting to take advantage of them.
Overall, Kristofferson's "One for the Money" paints a realistic picture of what it is like to be a performer, the struggles and risks that come with fame, and how important it is to keep a clear head.
Line by Line Meaning
I've seen you standing there stunned in the spotlight
I have observed you standing in the stage's spotlight, looking perplexed and helpless.
I've seen the sweat streak the pain on your face
I have witnessed your face revealing pain through the sweat that is dripping from it.
'Cause you're caught like a clown in a circle of strangers
You are caught in a bewildering situation, feeling foolish and surrounded by strangers.
Who do you screw to get out of this place
You wonder who you have to fool or manipulate to escape from this predicament.
[Chorus:]
This is the chorus of the song.
It's one for the money
It takes only one mistake or action to ruin one's reputation or life.
And too far to go
Although it is already problematic, the situation is just getting worse without any solution in sight.
Three fingers of whiskey
Three fingers of whiskey, an expression that refers to a shot or a measure of whiskey, to calm yourself down or to forget your problems.
Just for the soul
A need to do something to soothe or comfort oneself during the ordeal.
That lady you're pleasin'
Refers to a woman that he is trying to please, who is most likely a prostitute that he is paying.
Is hungry and cold
The prostitute he is paying is most likely in dire straits and may be starving and freezing.
Don't look in her eyes
The man is ashamed, knowing that he is taking advantage of another human being and cannot face the reality of his actions.
You'll see what you sold
When he looks into the prostitute's eyes, he will see the cost of his actions and the guilt will consume him.
Too many bodies in too many bars
There are way too many people who are drunk and looking to have a good time, leading to trouble and chaos.
Too many feelings are fallin' behind
He feels overwhelmed and numb, trying to drown his emotions with alcohol and distraction.
'Cause you're easy to fool when you're lost in the stars
Because he is drunk and lost in his own world, it is easy for someone to trick or mislead him.
Shoot out that spotlight before you go blind
He is urging himself to snap out of it and make a change before it is too late and he becomes engulfed in darkness and misery.
[Chorus]
This is the chorus of the song.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: KRIS KRISTOFFERSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind